Cat Hill squatters dealt blow as judge gives eviction notice

Squatters protesting against a controversial housing development are to be kicked off the site.

The protesters took up residence at the former Middlesex University campus, in Cat Hill, Cockfosters, in April in a bid to stop developers London and Quadrant building 231 homes on the site.

Campaigners have fought against the ruling for years as they feel it will destroy the natural habitat on the land.

In the latest blow for the campaigners, an eviction notice will be placed on those living on the site, giving them seven days to leave.

Campaigners had enjoyed a brief period of hope when District Judge Stone stated at Barnet County Court on August 6, that he would need time to deliberate the decision.

This ended when the judge made his verdict yesterday.

Campaigner Kim Coleman, of Mansfield Crescent, told the newspaper that the fight is not over.

She said: “We are speaking with our legal team to see what can be done next. I thought the judge was fair and took his time making the decision.

“We are, of course, disappointed with the decision and we are continuing to have a blockade at the main entrance every day.

“We have battled with them for four years and we not giving up yet.”

An L&Q spokesperson said: “We welcome the court’s decision to grant us an order for possession and we are planning our next steps. This is a step forward for our Cat Hill development, which will create much-needed homes for people on a range of incomes.

“These well-designed homes will match the character of the local area, and our 25-year woodland management plan will further improve the diversity and value of the woodland habitat.”

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